Mediation process in marital crisis : theological foundations and pastoral implications

Abstract

This dissertation presents a critical descriptive study of mediation in the context of the sacrament of marriage. It starts by reviewing the Mediation process involved in marital crisis from a secular perspective; it follows the historical background and development, accentuating the most popular theories and current practices employed in the management of conflict and the resolution of disputes between married couples. It reviews the main stages of the process, highlighting the most prominent issues, their implications and the direction where mediation practice is leading. The dissertation proceeds from a theological standpoint by analysing mediation in the biblical context. It traces the concept of mediation as proposed by the Old Testament and shows how in the New Testament Jesus Christ uniquely fills the role of mediator and the significance of this role in the Church documents and contemporary Christian thought and the human response to this role. Finally, this dissertation tackles from a pastoral point of view in the local context the problem of marriage breakdown, examining the reasons and the figures and evaluates what is currently available before and after marriage, highlighting the current shortfalls and suggesting a new holistic approach in response to the problem. This work proposes a theological foundation to mediation through which the faith community can identify with couples in conflict motivating them into action to support and help them, making the mediation of Jesus Christ present within their community.